AUSTIN, Texas — Arch Manning passed for 309 yards and three touchdowns in his sharpest game of the season so far as No. 8 Texas cruised to a 55-0 win over Sam Houston on Saturday night.

Manning was 18 of 21 passing and also ran for two first-half touchdowns.

He connected with Ryan Wingo for touchdowns of 53 and 13 yards in the third quarter before leaving the game with Texas (3-1) leading 45-0.

Manning needed a confidence builder after a poor start to the season and got one against the overmatched Bearkats (0-4).

His passes looked crisp and decisive, and his first touchdown run saw him stand and flex over a defender before a game official broke them up.

Manning had come into the game completing just 55% of his passes.

The preseason betting favorite for the Heisman Trophy had promised several times during the week he would start playing better.